VICTORIA - The CRD's latest Clean Air Bylaw kicks in today, which increases smoke-free areas around the region including parks, public squares and bus stops.
Smokers are not allowed to light up in these areas within the Capital Regional District:
- Parks
- Designated public spaces
- Business places where food or beverages are served or consumed
- Schoolyards
- Inside any building, unless it's a private home
- Within seven metres of any doorway, window or air intake
- Within seven metres of a bus stop
These rules extend beyond the provincial bylaw, which states no smokers can light up within three metres of a doorway, window or air intake, as well as inside transit shelters.
If you're caught smoking in these areas, it could cost you up to $2,000.
Island Heath says as many as 800 Canadian deaths each year are linked to second hand smoke, and smoking tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in the country.
